Building Construction System and Structural Modules Thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a building construction system and structural modules for erecting structures such as walls quickly, easily, and effectively. The building structure comprising: a wall formed by a plurality of code blocks selected from the group consisting of full-length stretcher code blocks, one-third-length code blocks, full-length-plain-end stretcher code blocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks, belting code blocks, and combinations thereof, wherein the full-length stretcher code blocks, the one-third-length code blocks, the full-length-plain-end stretcher code blocks have a web-like structure capable of receiving a plurality of first reinforcement bars; and a beam structure disposed at a top or interim portion of the wall, the beam structure formed by a plurality of code blocks selected from the group consisting of full-length belting code blocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks, and combinations thereof, wherein, the full-length belting code blocks have a U-shaped knock-out capable of accommodating a cage of reinforcement bars and reinforcement ties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to building constructionsystems, and, more particularly, to structural modules havingspecialized contours for rendering strength and rigidity to constructionstructures, such as, buildings, walls, and the like, in a fast, easy,reliable, inexpensive, and effective manner and at the same time makingmajor labor, and time saving due to the minimal usage of a mortar bed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Constructing building structures in areas prone to natural calamitiessuch as high winds, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, is a verychallenging and difficult task. The climate and weather conditions inmany areas may or may not favor concrete construction. To facilitate thequick and easy construction in these areas, various types of structuralmodules are available, as suggested in the prior art. These structuralmodules are manufactured away from the site of construction and broughtto the site and integrated therein. The structural modules such asbuilding blocks, generally have rectangular shape with hollow cavitiesand no physical locking means, and are used to quickly constructbuilding structures. Of the conventional building blocks, many at timesdo not provide means for making the building structures strong enough tobear the external forces or face natural calamities easily withoutcausing any damage to the building structure, thereby, unable to protectlife and property. Further, due to the need for wet work, constructionof masonry building structures by using conventional approaches is notsimple, effective, reliable and economic. Most of the conventionalbuilding blocks require some uncommon degree of skill for buildingconstruction. Due to high skill level requirement and wet work, for suchconstruction, the construction costs have been somewhat more expensiveto the end customer. Additionally, the conventional building blocks donot provide means to enhance strength of the construction, for example,means for carrying a plurality of reinforcing materials, such as rebaror easy flow of concrete throughout the structure during construction,except for those placed vertically.

Attempts have been made in the past to address the above mentioneddrawbacks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,168 discloses blocks forconstructing walls and other structures. The blocks include a pluralityof horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receivereinforcing rods (“rebar”).

US Patent Publication Number 20060000179 discloses a building block withan open top and bottom. One end of the block is provided with a pair ofvertical slots and the other end of the block is provided with a pair ofvertical fins for insertion into the vertical slots of an adjacentblock. The bottom of the block is provided with a pair of horizontalslots and the top of the block is provided with a pair of horizontalfins for insertion into the horizontal slots of an overlying block. Thehorizontal fins and slots are respectively provided with pegs and holespositioned in adjacent blocks, can be brought into registry with oneanother. One end of the block is also provided with a notch and theother end of the block is provided with a key for insertion into a notchin an adjacent block.

US Patent Publication Number 20050257466 discloses a method and blockfor constructing a block wall providing the appearance of a brickfacade. Each block includes a front wall, rear wall, left sidewall, anda right side wall. The method includes forming at least one groove on afront face of the front wall of each block or providing blocks with atleast one groove on the front face. The method further includesattaching the blocks to each other thereby forming a block structure.

Most of such blocks in the prior art have been very expensive toproduce. Moreover, it is difficult to maintain the required tighttolerances for accurate construction of large walls or other structuresthrough the molding and cutting steps and does not address therequirement of strength and providing rigidity to such constructions.Thus, installing blocks over the vertical reinforcing bar can be asignificant problem with tall structures.

Accordingly, there persists a continuing need for improvements inconventional construction building block systems to permit low cost,easy to install block manufacturing, and more particularly, to thoseblock systems having enhanced resistance to the forces of nature like,high winds, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, thegeneral purpose of the present invention is to provide an improvedbuilding construction system and structural modules thereof forconstructing structures such as buildings, walls, foundations, and thelike, in the areas prone to natural calamities such as high winds,earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, in quick, easy, effective, andeconomical manner, and meeting the requirement for providing strengthand rigidity to such structures, to include all the advantages of theprior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a “code” block forconstructing a building structure. The code block comprising: a frontwall; a back wall positioned parallel to the front wall; a first sidewall connecting the front wall to the back wall, the first side wallpositioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall; a secondside wall positioned parallel to the first side wall, the second sidewall connecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the frontwall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wallconfigure a hollow interior space therein, an extended portion of thefront wall, an extended portion of the back wall (and the second sidewall) configure an exterior space, the first side wall and the secondside wall having first end portions, second end portions opposing thefirst end portions, and a cut out extending down to a substantiallycentral position between the first end portions and the second endportions, the cut out having a web-like structure capable of receiving aplurality of first reinforcement bars along a longitudinal axis of thecode block; and a pair of alignment lugs protruding perpendicular to anouter surface of the first side wall opposite to the hollow interiorspace on either side of the cut out.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a belting code blockfor building construction. The belting code block comprising: a frontwall; a back wall positioned parallel to the front wall; a first sidewall connecting the front wall to the back wall, the first side wallpositioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall; a secondside wall positioned parallel to the first side wall, the second sidewall connecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the frontwall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wallconfigure a hollow interior space therein, an extended portion of thefront wall, an extended portion of the back wall and the second sidewall configure an exterior space, the first side wall and the secondside wall having first end portions, second end portions opposing thefirst end portions, and at least one U-shaped knock-out extendingbetween the first end portions and the second end portions, the at leastone U-shaped knock-out capable of being removed upon the application offorce thereon, and upon the knock-out's removal of accommodating a cageof reinforcement bars and reinforcement ties as required; and a pair ofalignment lugs protruding perpendicular to an outer surface of the firstside wall opposite to the hollow interior space on either side of theU-shaped knock-out.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a buildingstructure, comprising: a wall formed by a plurality of code blocksselected from the group consisting of full-length stretcher code blocks,one-third-length code blocks, full-length-plain-end stretcher codeblocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks, and combinationsthereof, wherein the full-length stretcher code blocks, theone-third-length code blocks, the full-length-plain-end stretcher codeblocks have a web-like structure capable of receiving a plurality offirst reinforcement bars; and a beam structure disposed at interimpositions and at a top portion of the wall, the beam structure formed bya plurality of code blocks selected from the group consisting offull-length belting code blocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks,and combinations thereof, wherein the full-length belting code blockshave a U-shaped knock-out capable of accommodating a cage ofreinforcement bars and at least one reinforcement tie.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along withthe various features of novelty that characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forminga part of this invention. For a better understanding of the presentinvention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attainedby its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which, there are illustrated exemplary embodimentsof the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a plan perspective view of a full-length stretcher code block10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a front plan view of the full-length stretcher code block 10with a plurality of first reinforcement bars 30 placed therein,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a side plan view sectioned along the axis X-X illustratingthe longitudinal placement of the first reinforcement bar 30 within thefull-length stretcher code block 10, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a top view of the full-length stretcher code block 10,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan perspective view of a one-third-length code block 40,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan perspective view of a full-length-plain-end stretchercode block 60, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a plan perspective view of a one-third-length-plain-end codeblock 80, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a plan perspective view of a full-length belting code block90, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a front plan view of the full-length belting code block 90with a cage of reinforcement bars 110 and reinforcement tie 112 disposedthere within, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5C is a side plan view sectioned along the axis Y-Y illustratingthe longitudinal placement of the cage of reinforcement bars 110 withinthe full-length belting code block 90, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a top view of the full-length belting code block 90,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a full-length belting code block 90with two U-shaped knock-outs 120 intact, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate construction of a wall using a combination ofthe full-length stretcher code block 10, the one-third-length code block40, the full-length-plain-end stretcher code block 60, theone-third-length-plain-end code block 80, and the placement ofreinforcement bars 30 horizontally and vertically there within,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6C illustrates a belting construction at a top of the wall usingthe full-length belting code block 90, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout several views ofthe drawings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detailed for illustrativepurposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. Itshould be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limitedto a particular building construction system and structural modulesthereof, as shown and described. Rather, the principles of the presentinvention may be used with a variety of configurations and structuralarrangements, e.g., for aesthetics, structural purposes, and/or forsimplicity in assembling and disassembling. It is understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated ascircumstances may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to coverthe application or implementation without departing from the spirit orscope of the claims of the present invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regardedas limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” andvariations thereof, herein, is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Asused herein, the terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation ofquantity, but rather, denote the presence of at least one of thereferenced item.

The present invention provides an improved, simplified, and efficientbuilding construction system and structural modules for constructingbuilding structures, such as, walls, and the like. The buildingconstruction system of the present invention employs a plurality ofstructural modules for enhancing the construction environment, withoutimposing any limitation on location and constructional orientation, in afast, easy, reliable, inexpensive, and effective manner. Moreparticularly, the building structures constructed using the structuralmodules of the present invention aides in withstanding high winds,earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and the like natural calamities, inareas prone to the same. The structural modules of the present inventioncan be mass produced inexpensively and by virtue of their design, thestructural modules lend themselves well for mass production without theneed for stringent quality control measures during production. Further,the system of the present invention is does not require mortar inconstruction which enhances the quality of construction while makingmajor savings in terms of labor, and time.

The present invention refers to structural modules, such as, code blocksused in building construction. More specifically, mortarless stretchercode blocks of the present invention are used in wall construction; andmortarless belting code blocks of the present invention are used inbelting (beam) construction at interim positions and at the top of awall.

Referring now, to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a full-length stretcher codeblock 10, is shown. The full-length stretcher code block 10 may takeform of a parallelepiped comprising a front wall 12, a back wall 14, afirst sidewall 16, and a second sidewall 18. The front wall 12, the backwall 14, the first sidewall 16, and the second sidewall 18 areconfigured in a manner, such that, a hollow interior space 20 is createdtherein. The front wall 12 and the back wall 14 have a flat surface andare positioned parallel to each other. At a first side end of thefull-length stretcher code block 10, the first side wall 16 connects thefront wall 12 to the back wall 14, such that, the first side wall 16 isperpendicular to both the front wall 12 and the back wall 14 (see FIG.1A). The second side wall 18 connects the front wall 12 to the back wall14 at a second side end, positioned parallel to the first side wall 16,such that, an extended portion 13 of the front wall 12, an extendedportion 15 of the back wall 14 and the second side wall 18 configures anexterior (unenclosed) space 22.

The first sidewall 16 and the second side wall 18 have first endportions 24, second end portions 26 opposing the first end portions, anda cut out extending up to a substantially central position between thefirst end portions 24 and the second end portions 26. The cut outextends from the first end portions 24 towards the second end portions26 and forms a web-like structure 28 at a lower portion of the cutout.The web-like structure 28 is capable of receiving a plurality of firstreinforcement bars 30 (also termed as rebars) along the longitudinalaxis of the full-length stretcher code block 10 (See FIGS. 1B, 1C and1D). The web-like structure 28 on the first side wall 16 and the secondside wall 18 lie on the same plane, such that, the reinforcement bars 30passing along the longitudinal axis of the full-length stretcher codeblock 10 are seated therein, as shown in FIG. 1C, illustrating a sideplan view sectioned along axis X-X. In one embodiment, the web-likestructure 28 has three notches for receiving the first reinforcementbars 30 (See FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D). Further, at least one secondreinforcement bar (not shown) may be disposed vertically perpendicularto the first reinforcement bars 30 in said hollow interior space 20 at aposition in proximity to either the first side wall 16 or the secondside wall 18.

A pair of alignment lugs 32 protrudes perpendicular to an outer surface27 of the first side wall 16 opposite to the hollow interior space 20 oneither side of the cut out. The pair of alignment lugs 32 forms a firstinterlocking unit. Additionally, the extended portion 13 of the frontwall 12 and the extended portion 15 of the back wall 14 configure asecond interlocking unit (mating interlocking unit).

Now, referring to FIG. 2, a plan perspective view of a one-third-lengthcode block 40, is shown. The one-third-length code block 40 comprises afront wall 42, a back wall 44, and a sidewall 46. The front wall 42, theback wall 44 and the sidewall 46 are configured in a manner, such that,a hollow open space 48 is created therein. The front wall 42 and theback wall 44 have a flat surface and are positioned parallel to eachother. The side wall 46 connects the front wall 42 to the back wall 44,such that, the side wall 46 is perpendicular to both the front wall 42and the back wall 44. The sidewall 46 has a first end portion 50, asecond end portion 52 and a cut out extending down to a substantiallycentral position between the first end portion 50 and the second endportion 52. The cut out extends from the first end portion 50 towardsthe second end portion 52 and forms a web-like structure 54 at a lowerportion of the cutout. The web-like structure 54 is capable of receivinga plurality of first reinforcement bars (not shown) along thelongitudinal axis of the one-third-length code block 40. In oneembodiment, the web-like structure 54 has three notches capable ofreceiving reinforcement bars, such that a central notch of the threenotches receives a central reinforcement bar, or outer notches of thethree notches receives two outer reinforcement bars. In anotherembodiment, a user may select to install only a central reinforcementbar in the central notch or to install two outer reinforcement bars inthe outer notches. Further, at least one second reinforcement bar (notshown) may be disposed vertically perpendicular to the firstreinforcement bars in the hollow open space 48 at a position inproximity to the side wall 46. A pair of alignment lugs 56 protrudesperpendicular to an outer surface 57 of the side wall 46 opposite to thehollow open space 48 on either side of the cut out. The pair ofalignment lugs 56 forms an interlocking unit.

Referring to FIG. 3, a plan perspective view of a full-length-plain-endstretcher code block 60 is shown. The full-length-plain-end stretchercode block 60 comprises a front wall 62, a back wall 64, a firstsidewall 66 and a second sidewall 68. The front wall 62, the back wall64, the first sidewall 66, and the second sidewall 68 are configured ina manner, such that, a hollow interior space 70 is created therein. Thefront wall 62 and the back wall 64 have a flat surface and arepositioned parallel to each other. At a first side end of thefull-length-plain-end stretcher code block 60, the first side wall 66having a flat surface connects the front wall 62 to the back wall 64,such that, the first side wall 66 is perpendicular to both the frontwall 62 and the back wall 64. The second side wall 68 connects the frontwall 62 to the back wall 64 at a second side end, positioned parallel tothe first side wall 66, such that, an extended portion 63 of the frontwall 62, an extended portion 65 of the back wall 64 and the second sidewall 68 configure an exterior (unenclosed) space 72. The second sidewall 68 has a first end portion 74, a second end portion (not shown) anda cut out extending down to a substantially central position between thefirst end portion 74 and the second end portion. The cut out extendsfrom the first end portion 74 towards the second end portion and forms aweb-like structure 76 at a lower portion of the cutout. The web-likestructure 76 capable of receiving a plurality of first reinforcementbars (not shown) along a longitudinal axis of the full-length-plain-endstretcher code block 60. In one embodiment, the web-like structure 76has three notches for receiving the first reinforcement bars. Further,at least one second reinforcement bar (not shown) is disposed verticallyperpendicular to the first reinforcement bars in said hollow interiorspace 70 at a position in proximity to either the first side wall 66 orthe second side wall 68.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a plan perspective view of aone-third-length-plain-end code block 80, is shown. Theone-third-length-plain-end code block 80 comprises a front wall 82, aback wall 84 and a side wall 86. The front wall 82 and the back wall 84are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The front wall 82,the back wall 84 and the sidewall 86 are configured in a manner, suchthat, a hollow open space 88 is created therein. The side wall 86 havinga flat surface connects the front wall 82 to the back wall 84, suchthat, the side wall 86 is perpendicular to both the front wall 82 andthe back wall 84.

Now, referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, a full-length belting codeblock 90, is shown. The full-length belting code block 90 may take theform of a parallelepiped comprising a front wall 92, a back wall 94, afirst sidewall 96, and a second sidewall 98. The front wall 92, the backwall 94, the first sidewall 96, and the second sidewall 98 areconfigured in a manner, such that, a hollow interior space 100 iscreated therein. The front wall 92 and the back wall 94 have a flatsurface and are positioned parallel to each other. At a first side endof the full-length belting code block 90, the first side wall 96connects the front wall 92 to the back wall 94, such that, the firstside wall 96 is perpendicular to both the front wall 92 and the backwall 94 (see FIG. 5A). The second side wall 98 connects the front wall92 to the back wall 94 at a second side end, and is positioned parallelto the first side wall 96, such that, an extended portion 93 of thefront wall 92, an extended portion 95 of the back wall 94 and the secondside wall 98 configures an exterior (unenclosed) space 102. The firstsidewall 96 and the second side wall 98 have first end portions 104,second end portions 106 opposing the first end portions, and at leastone U-shaped knock-out 120 extending down to approximately three-fourthsof a height of the full-length belting code block 90 between the firstend portions 104 and the second end portions 106. The at least oneU-shaped knock-out 120 extends from the first end portions 104 towardsthe second end portion 106 and, after a portion of the at least oneU-shaped knock-out 120 is removed from a belting code block 90, theremaining portion of the at least one U-shaped knock-out 120 forms acavity 108, the cavity 108 capable of accommodating a cage ofreinforcement bars 110 and reinforcement ties 112 (also known as links,or stirrups) along the longitudinal axis of the full-length belting codeblock 90 (See FIG. 5B). Additionally, the cage may be doubled in height,thus creating a deeper beam, by inverting a second row of belting codeblocks 90 over a first row of belting code blocks 90. Such anarrangement, whether single or double height, eliminates the need forformwork. The cavities 108 on the first side wall 96 and the second sidewall 98 lie in the same plane, such that, the cage of reinforcement bars110 passing along the longitudinal axis of the full-length belting codeblock 90 is seated therein, as shown in the side view (See FIG. 5C), andmore specifically in the top view (See FIG. 5D).

Additionally, a pair of alignment lugs 114 protrudes perpendicular to anouter surface 97 of the first side wall 96 opposite to the hollowinterior space 100 on either side of the cavity 108. The pair ofalignment lugs 114 forms a first interlocking unit and the extendedportion 93 of the front wall 92, and the extended portion 95 of the backwall 94 configures a second interlocking unit.

FIG. 5E shows a belting code block 90 with the at least one U-shapedknock-out 120 intact. The at least one U-shaped knock-out 120 comprisesa flange that removably attaches to the front wall 92 and a flange thatremovably attaches to the back wall 94 of the code block, with theflanges being separated by a breach 124. The at least one U-shapedknock-out 120 further comprises a channel 122 that extends at leastpartially along the junction of the knock-out 120 and the front wall 92and back wall 94 of the code block. The channel 122 enables the user toremove the at least one U-shaped knock-out 120 from the front wall 92and back wall 94 to which it is attached. The at least one U-shapedknock-out 120 remains attached after production and duringtransportation of a belting code block 90 to contribute to thestructural integrity of the code block 90 and to reduce damage to thecode block 90 after production and during transportation. When thebelting code block 90 is ready for use in construction, the user appliesforce to the at least one U-shaped knock-out 120 such that the at leastone U-shaped knock-out 120 is separated from the code block 90, wherebya cavity 108 is formed, the cavity 108 capable of accommodating a cageof reinforcement bars 110 and reinforcement ties 112 along thelongitudinal axis of the full-length belting code block 90 (See FIG.5B).

Using the stretcher code blocks and the belting code blocks of thepresent invention, a wall construction is explained in detail withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. For a wall construction, a combination ofthe stretcher code blocks (full-length stretcher code block 10, aone-third-length code block 40, a full-length-plain-end stretcher codeblock 60 and a one-third-length-plain-end code block 80) may be used.With the exception of the first course (which may be wet set directlyinto the slab), all the stretcher code blocks, are laid dry in aone-third running bond pattern, and then bonded with liquid concrete.The stretcher code blocks are also adapted to receive the secondreinforcement bar in a vertical position. When casting the foundation,the second reinforcement bars may be positioned at an 8 inch, 16 inch,24 inch, 32 inch, or 48 inch intervals. The base of the foundation ischecked to ensure that the base is level. When laying the first course,the wall may generally start at a corner with the full-length stretchercode block 10 positioned in a manner, such that, the exterior(unenclosed) space 22 forming the second interlocking unit, runs towardsthe centre of the wall. The interlocking of two full-length stretchercode blocks 10 is achieved by engaging the second interlocking unit of afull-length stretcher code block 10 with the first interlocking unitformed by the alignment lugs 32 of an adjacent full-length stretchercode block 10. More specifically, in the corners or wall ends, thefull-length-plain-end stretcher code block 60 or theone-third-length-plain-end code block 80 may be used. Additionally, atT-junctions and cross junctions, a combination of the full-lengthstretcher code block 10, the one-third-length code block 40, thefull-length-plain-end stretcher code block 60 and theone-third-length-plain-end code block 80, may be used (See FIG. 6B).After the code blocks are raised, for example, in lifts of a maximumeleven courses, the casting of the concrete may be done using a concretepump or other methods which provide a similar cascading effect throughthe interconnecting cavities (the hollow interior space 20, 70, 100, theexterior (unenclosed) space 22, 72, 102 and hollow open space 48, 88) inthe wall. The variations in the sizes of stretcher code blocks(full-length stretcher code block 10, one-third length code block 40,full-length-plain-end stretcher code block 60 andone-third-length-plain-end code block 90 helps in positioning the codeblocks along the corners of the wall and other places where afull-length stretcher code block 10 cannot be accommodated. Channelformwork (shuttering) (not shown) may also be used at openings or wallends which are easily fixed in position and readily re-usable.

The full-length belting code block 90 may be used for beltingconstruction at interim vertical positions and at the top of the wall,and requires no formwork to be installed (See FIG. 6C). The full-lengthbelting code block 90 is mortar-less and may be designed in both 6 inchand 8 inch widths. The full-length belting code block 90 may beinstalled in multiple rows like a standard belt block. The full-lengthbelting code block 90 has the flexibility of being able to be invertedover another stretcher code block for increased cage height, or anothercode block to maximize the cage height, up to 12 inch or 16 inchrespectively. For example, an 8 inch belting code block, and an 8 inchmortarless stretcher code block, with knock-outs removed, is able toaccept layers of 2 or even 3 reinforcement bars, in a cage toaccommodate longer spans. Even for the construction of lintels and bondbeams, support is only required below the lintel or beam and no otherformwork is necessar. This adds considerable savings in materials andtime while enhancing the quality of construction. The full-lengthbelting code blocks 90 are designed to comply with the constructionmethods used with the mortarless stretcher code blocks.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that variousomissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstancemay suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover theapplication or implementation without departing from the spirit or scopeof the claims of the present invention.

1. A code block for constructing building structure, comprising: a frontwall; a back wall positioned parallel to the front wall; a first sidewall connecting the front wall to the back wall, the first side wallpositioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall; a secondside wall positioned parallel to the first side wall, the second sidewall connecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the frontwall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wallconfigure a hollow interior space therein, an extended portion of thefront wall, an extended portion of the back wall and the second sidewall configure an exterior space, the first side wall and the secondside wall having first end portions, second end portions opposing thefirst end portions, and a cut out extending up to a substantiallycentral position between the first end portions and the second endportions, the cut out having a web-like structure capable of receiving aplurality of first reinforcement bars along a longitudinal axis of thecode block; and a pair of alignment lugs protruding perpendicular to anouter surface of the first side wall opposite to the hollow interiorspace on either side of the cut out.
 2. The code block of claim 1,wherein the web-like structure has a plurality of notches capable ofreceiving the first reinforcement bars.
 3. The code block of claim 2,wherein the web-like structure has three notches, such that, a centralnotch of the three notches receives a central reinforcement bar, andouter notches of the three notches receives two outer reinforcement barsof the plurality of reinforcement bars.
 4. The code block of claim 1,wherein at least one second reinforcement bar is disposed verticallyperpendicular to the first reinforcement bars in the hollow interiorspace at a position in proximity to either the first side wall or thesecond side wall.
 5. A wall structure comprising a plurality of codeblocks of claim 1, wherein the code blocks are interconnected, suchthat, a pair of alignment lugs of a first code block engages an extendedportion of a front wall and an extended portion of a back wall of asecond code block, and an extended portion of a front wall and anextended portion of a back wall of the first code block engage a pair ofalignment lugs of a third code block.
 6. The code block of claim 1,wherein the hollow interior space and the exterior space are capable ofreceiving liquid concrete poured there through.
 7. A belting code blockfor building construction, comprising: a front wall; a back wallpositioned parallel to the front wall; a first side wall connecting thefront wall to the back wall, the first side wall positionedperpendicular to the front wall and the back wall; a second side wallpositioned parallel to the first side wall, the second side wallconnecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the front wall,the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall configure ahollow interior space therein, an extended portion of the front wall, anextended portion of the back wall and the second side wall configure anexterior space, the first side wall and the second side wall havingfirst end portions, second end portions opposing the first end portions,and a removable U-shaped knock-out extending between the first endportions and the second end portions, the U-shaped knock-out, whenremoved, capable of accommodating a cage of reinforcement bars andreinforcement ties; and a pair of alignment lugs protrudingperpendicular to an outer surface of the first side wall opposite to thehollow interior space on either side of the U-shaped knock-out.
 8. Thebelting code block of claim 7, wherein the U-shaped knock-out extendsdown to approximately three-fourths of a height of the belting codeblock between the first end portions and the second end portions.
 9. Thebelting code block of claim 7, wherein the belting code block is used inbelting construction at interim positions and at a top of a wall. 10.The belting code block of claim 7, wherein the alignment lugs arecapable of engaging an extended portion of a front wall and an extendedportion of a back wall of an adjacent belting code block.
 11. A buildingstructure, comprising: a wall formed by a plurality of code blocksselected from the group consisting of full-length stretcher code blocks,one-third-length code blocks, full-length-plain-end stretcher codeblocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks, belting code blocks andcombinations thereof, wherein the full-length stretcher code blocks, theone-third-length code blocks, the full-length-plain-end stretcher codeblocks have a web-like structure capable of receiving a plurality offirst reinforcement bars; and a beam structure disposed at interimpositions as well as at a top portion of the wall, the beam structureformed by a plurality of code blocks selected from the group consistingof belting code blocks, one-third-length-plain-end code blocks, andcombinations thereof, wherein the full-length belting code blocks have aU-shaped knock-out capable of accommodating a cage of reinforcement barsand reinforcement ties.
 12. The building structure of claim 11, whereinthe full-length stretcher code blocks comprise a front wall, a back wallpositioned parallel to the front wall, a first side wall connecting thefront wall to the back wall, the first side wall positionedperpendicular to the front wall and the back wall, a second side wallpositioned parallel to the first side wall, the second side wallconnecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the front wall,the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall configure ahollow interior space therein, an extended portion of the front wall, anextended portion of the back wall and the second side wall configure anexterior space, the first side wall and the second side wall havingfirst end portions, second end portions opposing the first end portions,and a cut out extending up to a substantially central position betweenthe first end portions and the second end portions, the cut out havingthe web-like structure capable of receiving the first reinforcement barsalong a longitudinal axis of the full-length stretcher code block, and apair of alignment lugs protruding perpendicular to an outer surface ofthe first side wall opposite to the hollow interior space on either sideof the cut out.
 13. The building structure of claim 12, wherein at leastone second reinforcement bar is disposed vertically perpendicular to thefirst reinforcement bars in the hollow interior space at a position inproximity to either the first side wall or the second side wall of atleast one of the full-length stretcher code blocks.
 14. The buildingstructure of claim 11, wherein the one-third-length code blockscomprise: a front wall; a back wall positioned parallel to the frontwall; a sidewall connecting the front wall to the back wall, the sidewall positioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall, suchthat, the front wall, the back wall, and the side wall configuring ahollow open space, the side wall having first end portions, second endportions opposing the first end portions, and a cut out extending up toa substantially central position between the first end portions and thesecond end portions, the cut out having a web-like structure capable ofreceiving the first reinforcement bars along a longitudinal axis of theone-third-length code block; and a pair of alignment lugs protrudingperpendicular to an outer surface of the side wall opposite to thehollow open space on either side of the cut out.
 15. The buildingstructure of claim 14, wherein at least one second reinforcement bar isdisposed vertically perpendicular to the first reinforcement bars in thehollow open space at a position in proximity to the side wall of theone-third-length code blocks.
 16. The building structure of claim 11,wherein the full-length-plain-end stretcher code blocks comprise: afront wall; a back wall positioned parallel to the front wall; a firstside wall connecting the front wall to the back wall, the first sidewall positioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall; and asecond side wall positioned parallel to the first side wall, the secondside wall connecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, thefront wall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wallconfigure a hollow interior space therein, an extended portion of thefront wall, an extended portion of the back wall and the second sidewall configure an exterior space, the second side wall having first endportion, second end portion opposing the first end portion, and a cutout extending down to a substantially central position between the firstend portion and the second end portion, the cut out having a web-likestructure capable of receiving the first reinforcement bars along alongitudinal axis of the full-length-plain-end stretcher code blocks.17. The building structure of claim 16, wherein at least one secondreinforcement bar is disposed vertically perpendicular to the firstreinforcement bars in the hollow interior space at a position inproximity to either the first side wall or the second side wall of thefull-length-plain-end stretcher code block.
 18. The building structureof claim 11, wherein the one-third-length-plain-end code blockscomprise: a front wall; a back wall positioned parallel to the frontwall; and a sidewall connecting the front wall to the back wall, theside wall positioned perpendicular to the front wall and the back wall,such that, the front wall, the back wall, and the side wall configure ahollow open space.
 19. The building structure of claim 11, wherein thefull-length belting code blocks comprise: a front wall, a back wallpositioned parallel to the front wall, a first side wall connecting thefront wall to the back wall, the first side wall positionedperpendicular to the front wall and the back wall, a second side wallpositioned parallel to the first side wall, the second side wallconnecting the front wall and the back wall, such that, the front wall,the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall configure ahollow interior space therein, an extended portion of the front wall, anextended portion of the back wall and the second side wall configure anexterior space, the first side wall and the second side wall havingfirst end portions, second end portions opposing first end portions, anda U-shaped knock-out extending down to approximately three-fourth of aheight of the full-length belting code block between the first endportions and the second end portions, the U-shaped knock-out capable ofaccommodating a cage of reinforcement bars and reinforcement ties, and apair of alignment lugs protruding perpendicular to an outer surface ofthe first side wall opposite to the hollow interior space on either sideof the U-shaped knock-out.
 20. The building structure of claim 19,wherein the alignment lugs of one of the full-length belting code blockengages an extended portion of a front wall and an extended portion of aback wall of an adjacent full-length belting code block.